OUR LEGAL STAFF
Meet Our Staff
Mariana R. Castro
Mariana R. Castro is a proud native of “Old Pueblo” and a U of A Wildcat. As a personal injury paralegal case manager at Karnas Law since 2012, Mariana has earned multiple awards for outstanding client service. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she graduated from Sahuaro High School. Realizing the power of higher education, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2009, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Business. Mariana is an active member of the AZ State Bar Association and the Tucson Paralegal Association, engaging in networking and community volunteering. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and cheering for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cardinals. Demonstrating determination and persistence, Mariana is committed to providing quality case management at Karnas Law Firm, PLLC, empathizing with clients and achieving favorable outcomes for them and their families.
Tina Campos
Tina Campos, a native Tucsonan and proud mother, is an award-winning personal injury case manager paralegal with a passion for sports. Fluent in Spanish and English, Tina graduated in the top 10% of her 1983 class at Sunnyside High School and pursued accounting courses at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona until she had to care for her ill mother and her six siblings. Her career journey started at the Tucson Border Patrol, where she assisted in various departments before transitioning to the legal field as a legal assistant for a criminal defense firm. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury, Tina’s goal is to provide personalized attention to each client. Her love for U of A sports runs deep, and she readily engages in open discussions about them. Go Wildcats!
Cathy Herrera
Our marketing director and case intake specialist, Catalina (”Cathy“ ) Herrera, was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and moved to Yuma, AZ, when she was 5 years old. She is a proud graduate of Yuma High School, “The Crims”. Cathy then graduated with honors from Northern Arizona University in 2010 where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Cathy Herrera is fluent in Spanish and English.
Cathy has been with Karnas Law Firm for almost 10 years, and she has been central to developing and growing the Yuma office. In addition to her current position, Cathy has been a case manager and paralegal. Cathy enjoys networking and volunteering for her community events in Yuma, Tucson, and Phoenix. Likewise, she is passionate about helping and educating clients. Cathy’s exceptional client services have won her recognition, respect, and awards from her peers. Call or text Cathy anytime at 928-550-8020.
Maria Alvarado
Maria Alvarado, our accomplished chief financial officer, who has been an integral part of our firm since 2014. Originally hailing from a small rural community in Riito, Sonora, Mexico, Maria relocated to Yuma, AZ, at the age of 12, where she embraced both English and Spanish fluency, enabling her to connect effectively with our diverse community. Recognizing the significance of tailoring approaches to individual cases, she dedicates herself to providing each client with the best possible service. Maria’s unparalleled commitment shines through in her exceptional personal attention, ensuring clients receive regular case updates throughout the entire process, and offering solace to victims and their families during times of uncertainty. Recently, she proudly attained her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Arizona Western College, a testament to her unwavering pursuit of professional growth and excellence.
Jocelyn Perez
Jocelyn Perez, a member of the Karnas Law Firm since 2019, who has shown remarkable career growth during her tenure. Starting as a front desk coordinator, she now thrives as a personal injury case manager. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, Jocelyn’s bilingual skills facilitate seamless communication with our clients. She earned her accounting degree at Arizona Western College, driven by her passion for numbers and mathematics, after graduating from Cibola High School in 2017. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jocelyn finds joy in traveling and discovering new places, adding to her vibrant personality and versatile skill set.
Charlene Surgeon
Charlene Surgeon was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After graduating high school Charlene relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1994 to start a career in banking. She spent most of the next nine years working for companies such as Bank of America and Chase Bank. Charlene then earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in Business.
Later in 2007, Charlene moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she spent the next nine years working as an Operations Manager for a collections Law firm. Now she Works for Karnas Law Firm as a litigation paralegal.
Bea Flesher
I Bea Flesher, a seasoned professional with extensive paralegal experience and an award-winning track record. Serving as both office manager and case manager, Bea’s expertise ensures a seamless journey through litigation processes. Her dedication to excellence is not limited to the legal realm; she also actively supports the National Football Foundation Southern Arizona Chapter, which aims to foster leadership, character, and academic excellence. Fluent in two languages, Bea’s bilingual skills further enhance her ability to assist clients effectively. With her wealth of knowledge and commitment to promoting success, Bea proves to be an invaluable asset to our team.
Olivia Gaxiola
Our Marketing Director and Intake Specialist Olivia Gaxiola was born in Tucson, Arizona. She is a proud graduate of Cholla High Magnet School. Olivia is fluent in Spanish and English.
Olivia has been with Karnas Law Firm for almost 10 years. She enjoys networking and working out in her free time. She is passionate about helping clients.
“I think one of the main things that motivates me to go above and beyond for clients is knowing that I’m helping make a difference in their lives.
Veronica Reyes
Veronica Reyes is a passionate individual who loves learning. Veronica was born in Guadalajara, MX, and achieved her GED. Veronica’s diverse work journey has equipped her to confidently thrive at KLAW in our law environment. Outside of work, she immerses herself in activities like hiking, yoga, meditation, reading, and traveling. However, her most cherished moments are spent with her family, friends, and beloved pets. Veronica’s interests revolve around self-empowerment and growth, and she strives to empower others on their paths to success.
Kery Salinas
Kery, the director of first impressions at our Yuma office, who has been a valuable member of Karnas Law for nearly two years. Born in Phoenix, AZ, and an alumnus of Douglas High School, Kery possesses fluency in both English and Spanish. She is a proud wife and mother to a wonderful young lady! She finds immense joy in spending quality time with her family and embarking on new travel adventures. Driven by ambition, Kery aims to explore various opportunities in the administrative and legal realms, demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth.
Lupita Cordero
Lupita was born in Nogales, Sonora MX, embarked on a transformative journey at the age of 5, when she moved to the US. Growing up with four brothers she learned the value of camaraderie. After graduating from Sunnyside High School in 2007, she began embracing weekends as precious moments to cherish with her family. Now a proud mother of three girls and one boy, family remains the center of her universe. With a passion for justice and advocacy, she honed in on her skills with over 5 years in Personal Injury, working diligently as a paralegal. Prior to that, she spent 7 rewarding years in the banking field at Pima Federal Credit Union. Beyond the professional sphere, she find solace in binge-watching shows. Her commitment to her family, dedication to the clients, and the pursuit of personal growth shows in all she does!
To contact any of our staff, or to speak to a Tucson & Yuma Personal Injury Attorney, call us at (520) 571-9700.